WORLD 🔗 Part of: Tech and Cybersecurity News (62) · 17 Oct 2026 · 03:37 GMT ·2 min read

Elon Musk unveils a 'flying' Tesla Roadster 2. The SpaceX-powered prototype performs an aerial 'kick flip' in Texas.

Elon Musk demonstrated the Tesla Roadster 2 at a SpaceX facility in Waco, Texas.

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Economic Times

Elon Musk demonstrated the Tesla Roadster 2 at a SpaceX facility in Waco, Texas. The vehicle performed aerial maneuvers. The prototype used a SpaceX suction system and compressed-air thrusters. It performed a "kick flip" over other Tesla models. The Guardian reported a 2028 production target above $200,000. Tesla confirmed the flying variant is not permitted on public roads. The vehicle features altitude controls and a 600-liter air tank. Tesla has not finalized specifications or safety certifications.

Context

Elon Musk announced the development of the next-generation Tesla Roadster in 2017. He positioned the vehicle as an electric sports car designed to outperform gasoline-powered competitors. A demonstration in Waco, Texas, showed a shift from the 2017 concept. The design now integrates aerospace technology into the automotive platform. Tesla developed a prototype using a SpaceX-supplied suction system. The vehicle also uses 600-liter compressed-air tanks to achieve aerial maneuvers.

Supportive perspectives

The vehicle integrates aerospace technology, including a fan-based suction system from SpaceX. This system generates 2 Gs of force. The force allows the car to grip surfaces while inverted and perform aerial maneuvers.
The prototype features rapid acceleration. Elon Musk claimed the vehicle reaches 60 mph in under one second.
The propulsion system utilizes two ultra-high-pressure air tanks with a combined volume of 600 liters. These tanks contain approximately 250 kilograms of air, which is released through 10 nozzles to generate the thrust required for flight.
Tesla opened reservation tiers for the vehicle. The 'performance' version requires a £50,000 deposit. The 'thrust' version requires a $250,000 deposit.

Critical perspectives

Tesla stated that the flying Roadster 2 is not permitted for public road use. CEO Elon Musk acknowledged that the prototype lacks safety features and may face legal restrictions in various jurisdictions.
Tesla set a 2028 production target but has not confirmed final specifications, pricing, or a release date. The company has not yet demonstrated these capabilities in a production vehicle.
The vehicle is priced at over $200,000, placing it in an exclusive category. The requirement for high deposits including a $250,000 deposit for the 'thrust' version limits access to a very narrow demographic.